The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-12-31

| Her old fashioned silk was selected from
her limited wardrobe, and her best bonnet,
which had not been worn for fifteen years,
was brushed until it looked as bright and
attractive as it could have done the day it
was bought.
! Henry won't expect me to make much
spread about dress, considerin' the circum-
stances" she said. 1.-THE most important
thing is to have plenty of good, strong, thor
oughwort tea and good supply Of pepper
mint. And I'd better take some lobelia
and some of my extract Of balsam; and bein'
that don't know what ais the dear cree
/ tur think pll put in jar or two Of them
dandelon pills. I'll git some nice clean
flannels to rub her with, too; for like as
not it'll be topsy turvey there, and Harry's
wife won't know which end her heads on.
guess Almira Page would have died last
| spring two weeks earlier than she did il
hadn't kept her throat well bandaged with
hot fanuels. I'll put in Susan's mustard
box, too, for they way live good way from
the store, if they be in CITY,"
The big carpet-bag was accordingly
packed with the different articles of medi-
cine which Aunt Polly desired to carry,
and when it was full it sent forth strong
and far-reaching perfume. The few add
tioual articles of dress were rolled into a
bundle; the cotton umbrella was brought
forth, and at late hour Aunt Polly re-
tired to secure, if possible, good nights
rest to fit her for the important under
taking of the following day.
The railroad station was about fifteen
miles from Franklin, and was reached by
the stage which daily ran each way between
the two villages. Principally at six o'clock
Aunt Polly stood in front Of the store
waiting for the stage. When it drew up,
the driver looked as men may be supposed
to look when brought face to face with a
vision such as imagination even had never
dared to paint. His face was wholly with
out expression, and his eyes remained
rlveted on the apparition before him. The
horses stopped In the accus omed place of
their own accord; the postmaster helped
Aunt Polly to her seat, then threw in the
mail bag and, without a word, the coach
was on its way.
During the three hours ride in the iolting,
swinging stage coach, Aunt Polly had
many interesting experiences. In the first
place sine had risen so late that she was
obliged to take her breakfast in her hand,
and this occupied her for half an hour.
She sadly missed her usual cup of tea, but
SlC was COlloOlGu ny lllC GuOuSuG AlIdO Sut
was engaged in a work of mercy. She had
not ridden far before she was joined by a
lady ard gentleman, and in a short time
the fellow passengers were very well &C
quainted.
"Be you travelin' fur!" asked Aun Polly.
eve are going about eight miles," was
the reply
'Some of your relations sick?"
No. / bODa ~ reOIipd tho 1a6V
''We are going to spend week or two with
our SON."
"Wall, Pm goin' to the city," said Aunt
Polly. My brother lives there, you know
and | expect his gal is dretful sick"
Several merry school boys now boarded
the stage, ana some of them began to poke
fun at the big and fragrant carpet-bag
Just as they were about to alight one Of
the boys gave it forcible kick, when he
unexpectedly received in return smart
blow from the cotton umbrella which left
him bowling with pain as the stage drove
on.
ostfben III On Gfe trail of the iron horse
AS they rode along rather slowly, there
was suddenly heard the screech of a loco
motive, and II train Of heavy freight cars
rolled along.
''What on arth-" exclaimed Aunt Polly,
starting from her seat and gazing in won.
der at the sight. But she was suddenly
and emphatically reseated, as the coach
bounded over the uneven road, while hei
voice was drowned by the noise of the
passing train.
At last the depot was reached, and, after
mucn confusion and fuss, Aunt Polly pro-
cured her ticket and sat down to wait for
the train. In few minutes the painting
engine rushed by the door, and the long
train of handsome cars was brought to a
standsull.
Aunt Polly was not one to be left behind
Grasping her carpet-bag in one hand and
her umbrella and bundle In the other she
made dive for the door and crowded her
way into the car.
Nearly every seat was taken, but at last
she found one in which middle-aged lady
was seated alone, and here Aunt Polly took
up her quarters, holding her carpet bag in
her lap.
"Be you goin' to the city:" she inquired
of the lady.
81 am"
"Then l s'pose we can jest as we'll set to-
gether," said Aunt Polly. THE fact is, ]
amt much used TO these railroad cars, and
think like as not you be-"
81 have Travelled so much" said the lady,
'that l feel very much at home in the cars.
In fact, l am riding a great part of the
time.n
II want to know. You amt an agent OF
any thing, be you"
81 am lecturer"
"a female lecturerm
"Certainly. l am doing ali can 10
secure for my sex their rights at the bal
lot box"
What subjects do you lectur on"
II tell you l am an advocate of woman
suffrage"
"Iexpect you make good pay" continued
Aunt Polly, after short pause.
II am not working for money" said the
lady.
"Folks we'll off, air theyl You must be
nigh on to forty" she added, suddenly,
peering closely into the woman's face.
AS she turned herself squarely toward
the window, she caught sight of some
trees apparently flying past, followed by a
house and other buildings, and for mo.
ment she was perfectly bewildered. Her
interest in the female suffrage advocate
had been so great that she had not noticed
the train was in motion. She suddenly
rose to her feet and peered through the
window. Then with an expression Of re.
lief she said:
81 'spose we are goin' nowln